Art Therapy Psychology
The Art Therapy Psychology Department at Notre Dame de Namur University is the only one of its kind in northern California. It is unique because it provides two courses of study leading to a master's degree, both of which emphasize theoretical and experiential learning. Both courses of study are taught and supervised by Registered Art Therapists and licensed professionals and lead to registration as an ATR. For students who hold a graduate degree in a related field (Art, Education, and Behavioral Science) from an accredited institution and who wish to meet the requirements for registration as an ATR, the Department offers a Graduate Art Therapy Certificate (GATC) program. See the Graduate Art Therapy Certificate page.
Course of Study I leads to a Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy. This course of study consists of 56 units (not including foundation courses) and is designed to prepare a Marriage and Family Art Psychotherapist whose education is intended to fulfill the requirements for the Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) in California. This can often satisfy certification or licensure in other states. This is in addition to Registration by the Art Therapy Credentials Board.
Course of Study II leads to a Master of Arts in Art Therapy. This course of study consists of 48 units (not including foundation courses) and prepares students who wish to be eligible for the ATR, but who are not intending to pursue clinical licensing as an MFT in California or any other state.
Advancement to candidacy is not automatic. The Professional Evaluation Committee (PEC) provides ongoing professional and academic evaluation of students as they progress throughout the program. Both master's studies in the Art Therapy Psychology Department at Notre Dame de Namur University are approved by the American Art Therapy Association, Inc.
Program Requirements
Foundation CoursesA bachelor's degree in art, psychology, or behavioral science is preferred.Three semester units or 4.5 quarter units are required in each of the following foundation areas: |
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| General Psychology | |||
| Personality Theory | |||
| Developmental Psychology | |||
| Abnormal Psychology | |||
| Additionally, fifteen units, 22.5 quarter units, or equivalent are required in the foundation content areas of two and three dimensional studio art and design. All foundation areas must be completed within the first year. | |||
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| Units | |||
Core Courses |
Course I | Course II | |
| PY205A/B | Psychological Assessment | 2/1 | 2/1 |
| PY210 | Psychopathology * | 3 | - |
| PY213 | Methods of Group and Family Therapy | 3 | 3 |
| PY214A | Child Abuse | - | 1 |
| PY214D | Substance Abuse: Theory/Assessment/Intervention | 2 | - |
| PY225 | Psychopharmacology * | 2 | - |
| PY230 | Cross-cultural Issues | 3 | 3 |
| PY235 | Human Sexuality * | 2 | 2 |
| PY255 | Communication and Counseling Skills | 3 | 3 |
| PY260 | Advanced Human Development | 3 | 3 |
| PY280 | Principles of MFT | 3 | 3 |
| PY290A/B | Professional Ethics and Law (*PY290A only) | 2 | 1 |
| PY300A/B | Practicum (nine month, 700 hour practicum with an ATR supervisor; for Course I the supervisor must also be state licensed) |
3/3 | 3/3 |
| PY333A/B | Seminar | 3/3 | 3/3 |
| PY302A | Art Therapy Techniques: Group Experience | 1 | 1 |
| PY302B | Art Therapy Techniques: Special Populations | 1 | 1 |
| PY302C | Art Therapy Techniques: Integrating Creative Arts | 1 | 1 |
| PY304A | Metaphors in Psychopathology: Children | 1 | 1 |
| PY304B | Metaphors in Psychopathology: Adolescents | 1 | 1 |
| PY304C | Metaphors in Psychopathology: Adult | 1 | 1 |
| PY359A | Research: Methodology | 2 | 2 |
| PY359P | Research: Project | 3 | 3 |
| PY359T | Research: Thesis Completion | 3 | 3 |
| Total | 55 | 48 | |
| * All
courses taught by Registered Art Therapists except those
designated with an asterisk. Orals: Thesis/Grant must be satisfactorily completed before graduation. Orals Guidelines are available in the Art Therapy Office. |
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Licensing Options after Graduation |
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Course of Study I |
Course of Study II |
| (55 units) | (48 units) |
| MFT/ATR Internship 1000 art therapy direct contact hours |
ATR Internship 500 of these hours must be supervised by a Registered ATR |
| MFT Exams Art Therapy Registration and Board Certification (BC) Exam |
Art Therapy Registration and Board Certification (BC) Exam |
| Primary Family Therapist and Art Therapist | Art Therapist Part of a Therapeutic Milieu Team |
Course Descriptions
All classes are offered every other semester unless otherwise noted.
PY205A/B/405A/B Psychological Assessment (2/1/2/1)
Studies the design and use of psychological tests of ability, personality,
interests, and attitudes. The major intelligence tests and projective
tests are emphasized, along with family and art-based assessment.
PY205C/405C Explorations in Sandplay (1/1)
This course reviews the basic tenets of sandplay and its use in psychotherapy. The work of founder Dora Kalff is viewed and discussed. Students study sandplay figures and their meaning, especially in the sequencing of trays, with a variety of patients. Experientials and the deepening of symbols are included.
PY210 Psychopathology (3)
Prerequisite: PY168.
Systematically examines major paradigms of mental distress including
medical, behavioral, and psychosocial models. Primary emphasis is
on familiarity with and differential diagnosis of conditions covered
by the current DSM.
PY213/413 Methods of Group and Family Therapy (3/3)
Explores the composition, development, and process of the family
and the larger group as a vehicle for individual and social change,
including a cursory survey of current group methodologies using
verbal and nonverbal modalities. Development of effective interventions
and leadership skills is emphasized.
PY214A/414A Child Abuse (1/1)
The laws for reporting child abuse are covered. Assessment and treatment
are studied and family approaches explored.
PY214D/414D Substance Abuse: Theory, Assessment, and Intervention Strategies (2)
Issues within the physiological, psychological, social,
and familial context are explored using both verbal and nonverbal
modalities. Assessment issues are addressed. Treatment interventions
appropriate to individuals and families in various phases of recovery
are explored through both verbal and nonverbal modalities.
PY225/425 Psychopharmacology (2/2)
PY225 satisfies the requirements of AB253 for MFT licensure for
those beginning graduate study on or after January 1, 2001. Participants
are provided with an overview and working knowledge of current common
psychopharmacological interventions. PY425 may be taken in the
certificate program.
PY230/430 Cross-cultural Issues (3/1)
Studies the effects of ethnicity in the counseling process with
attention to the unique cultural traits and symbols of each individual
within family structures. Addresses historical, ethical, and socioeconomic
issues and their verbal and visual psychological impact.
PY235 Human Sexuality (2)
Analyzes normal and dysfunctional sexual behavior with attention
to diagnosis of sexual problems and to the major approaches to sex
therapy using both verbal and nonverbal modalities.
PY255/455 Communication and Counseling Skills (3/3)
Systematically studies communication skills and the major approaches
to family counseling and psychotherapy. Through experiential exercises
and group discussions, such areas as self awareness, feelings, self-concepts,
perception, nonverbal communication, and resolving interpersonal
conflicts are covered.
PY260 Advanced Human Development (3)
Prerequisite: PY161.
Analyzes major approaches to the study of human development throughout
the lifespan. Ability to recognize and understand theoretical presuppositions
of various approaches to human development from a systemic point
of view is emphasized.
PY280/480 Principles of MFT (3/3)
Provides an overview of the theoretical concepts from the major
theories of family systems therapy with an emphasis on assessment
and treatment planning. Assessment and consultation skills are explored.
Domestic violence and its effects on the family system are reviewed.
Integrates art as a second language in family diagnosis, communication,
and treatment.
PY290A/B/490A/B Professional Ethics and Law (2/1/2/1)
Focuses on the laws related to marriage, family, and child counseling
and the ethical issues that pertain to the practice of Art Therapy.
PY300A/B Practicum (3/3)
Prerequisites: Completion of all prerequisites in art and
psychology and at least two courses of the required Art Therapy
Master's Core. Internship is a 750-hour nonresident period in which the student
works with clients in an institutional or community setting. Schedule
may be worked out to the advantage of the student and the agency.
PY302A/402A Art Therapy Techniques: Group Experience (1/1)
Provides an opportunity for members to explore group membership
and dynamics using art therapy techniques.
PY302B/402B Art Therapy Techniques: Special Populations (1/1)
Focuses on the specific adaptations of art activities for special
needs populations.
PY302C/402C Art Therapy Techniques: Integrating Creative Arts
(1/1)
Emphasizes integration of creative arts therapies.
PY304A/B/C/404A/B/C Metaphors in Psychopathology (1/1/1/1/1/1)
Emphasizes the dynamics, metaphors, and DSM classification of
abnormal characteristics, disorders, and behavior. The course is offered
in three sections: children, adolescents, and adults.
- Children: Offers a comprehensive overview of art therapy approaches for children with abnormal characteristics, disorders, and behaviors.
- Adolescents: Offers a comprehensive overview of art therapy approaches for adolescents. Emphasis is on understanding major highlights of normal and pathological developments.
- Adults: Offers a comprehensive overview of art therapy approaches for adults with mental disorders or psychiatric diagnosis as classified in DSM-IV. Emphasis is on acute inpatient treatment from both an individual and group perspective.
PY333A/B/433A/B Seminar (3/3/3/3)
Provides an opportunity for presentation of cases from the field
and feedback from a faculty member and students. PY333A/B taken
in conjunction with PY300A/B.
PY359A/P/T/D Research: Methodology, Project, and Thesis Completion
(2/3/3/1)
This series of courses is taken near the end of the program. Students have
up to one year after the semester of registration
to complete the research project or the course must be repeated.
The research is completed in three segments. In the first segment
students examine methods and tools of scientific research and the
interpretation of research reports; in the second segment students
submit a proposal of an in-depth investigation of a clinical topic
utilizing an appropriate research methodology or a grant they submit
for funding. In the final phase (thesis completion) the student
submits the formal written presentation.
PY400 Supervised Field Experience (1-3)
Supervised practicum hours for MFT licensure which are not part
of the degree program. Approval is required.
PY411A/B Introduction to Clinical Art Therapy (1/2)
Explores the uses of art therapy in schools, special education,
and psychiatric settings as well as in personal growth.
PY415 Explorations in Art Therapy Literature (1)
An independent study review of classic and recently published literature
in the field of art therapy.
PY441A Trauma and Art Therapy Treatment (1)
Students explore history and verbal and graphic narratives of theory
and practice in Trauma. The course features a variety of proven
art therapy interventions including "externalized" dialogues
and self-soothing clay experience.
PY495 Special Topics in Clinical Art Therapy (1-3)
One-unit classes that are offered periodically in the GATC provide
students an opportunity to investigate topics in clinical art therapy.
Admission Requirements
- Completed application materials are due by April 1, August 1, or December 1 for entrance in Summer, Fall, or Spring, respectively
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- A cumulative grade-point average of 2.5 or better
- Two letters of recommendation
- An autobiographical statement which discusses the applicant's interests
- A portfolio of 12 color pictures or slides of personal art work
For further information contact the Art Therapy Psychology Department at (650) 508-3556 or arttherapy@ndnu.edu or Graduate Admission at (800) 263-0545.